Michael Jordan Names Denny Hamlin as the “Mastermind Behind” Tyler Reddick’s NASCAR Domination

23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan has shared his thoughts on Denny Hamlin role behind Tyler Reddick record breaking 2026 season.

Michael Jordan Names Denny Hamlin as the “Mastermind Behind” Tyler Reddick’s NASCAR Domination

Tyler Reddick, Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin (Via IMAGO)

Coming into the NASCAR Cup Series weekend at the Circuit of the America’s, 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick was chasing history. He was under pressure to become the first racer in the premier stock car racing history to win the first three races of the season. The No:45 Toyota driver delivered exactly that for Michael Jordan’s team, with a dominant run.

For the third straight weekend, Michael Jordan was on the victory lane celebrating with Tyler Reddick and on his pit-road interview explained who deserves the credit for the 23XI dominance. He asserted that his co-owner Denny Hamlin is the mastermind behind the success as he was the one that brought together Reddick and Billy Scott.

I’m proud of the team that we put together. Denny, I’m pretty sure, feels the same way as I do. I think a lot of credit goes to him because he’s the mastermind behind finding Tyler and putting together Billy Scott and all that.

Michael Jordan told Fox Sports.

Further talking about the point, the seven times NBA champion who tasted championship three-peat twice in his racing career, he admitted that he is just a competitor funding 23XI behind the scene. On the other hand, Denny Hamlin is the one making critical decisions, alongside other senior official MJ has entrusted in leading the team.

Look, I just put up the money. I’m just a competitor, but I think Denny has done an unbelievable job in terms of helping build this team. I think the team has done a good job in just taking our leadership and going out and winning. That’s what it’s about, winning.

Michael Jordan added.

Michael Jordan declares it time for a change in NASCAR

In the same conversation earlier, Jordan pointed out that Reddick’s win shows it’s time for a change in the sport, with 23XI taking the fight to the big-3. He also highlighted how much pressure that was on the Daytona 500 champion coming into the weekend. 

Michael Jordan celebrating with his 23XI Racing crew
Michael Jordan celebrating with his 23XI Racing crew (Image via Sportico/X)

Time for change. Time for change, and the guys feel the same thing. Tyler came in with the most pressure, I guess. Everybody expected him, or he had the chance to win three in a row. That’s the hardest one to win. He kept to his strategy, and man, the guys put together a great car.

Michael Jordan said.

Further talking about the point, he highlighted the significant role played by Billy Scott by prepping the strong car and calling a solid race. MJ also admitted that he was really nervous seeing Shane van Gisbergen attacking Reddick in the final laps.

I think Billy [Scott] did an unbelievable job in calling the race, and Tyler did a good job. He beat some good competition. When you see SVG coming back there, you get a little nervous. But I think he had him covered pretty much the whole day.

Michale Jordan added.

The comments from the NBA legend are on point, regarding the amount of pressure that is on the veteran racers shoulder and how he overcame it to win the race. It would be interesting to see how the remaining year is going to playout for Reddick and crew.

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